From our exclusive Pasadena Cat's Meow series. Construction is dated back to the eighteenth century by archaeologists. Hancock’s Resolution, measuring 24 by 22 feet, represents a typical size dwelling in the eighteenth century. A one-and-a-half story, gambrel-roof house, constructed of native ferruginous sandstone (commonly referred to as ironstone), it is a long held tradition that Hancock’s Resolution served as a signal point at the mouth of the Patapsco River during the War of 1812. A signal flag, raised at Hancock’s property was spotted at Steeple House Farm on the opposite shore of the Patapsco. There, another flag was raised that would be visible from an observatory at Federal Hill in Baltimore. This system is credited for aiding the successful defense of Baltimore at Fort McHenry in 1814.